PNP chief ready to go to jail if Ombudsman says accepting expenses-paid trip from Pacquiao is wrong
If the Ombudsman says it is wrong for him to accept an expenses-paid trip to watch the boxing match of Senator Manny Pacquiao, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said he is willing to go to jail.
The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating de la Rosa’s trip to the United States after he admitted Pacquiao paid for all his expenses and his family.
"If it will come out in the investigation I made a mistake, then I'm ready to go to jail," said Dela Rosa in a news briefing in Camp Crame on Monday.
"I am policeman serving the country, ready to accept the consequences of my actions if I committed a mistake in my decision or have done something wrong," he said.
The investigation on Dela Rosa will cover possible violations of President Decree 46, where public officials and employees are barred from receiving gifts on any occasion, and Republic Act 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
Dela Rosa said he was being honest and transparent about it, saying he accepted the invitation from Pacquiao, his long-time friend.
He said he and Pacquiao came from poor families and have a passion for boxing, He said he was an amateur boxer before entering the Philippine Military Academy.
"We both have the same lives and boxing was a possible avenue to improve our lives," Dela Rosa added.
What he is asking is just a "fair interpretation" of the law. "My respect to the Office of the Ombudsman remains and I respect their functions." Emmanuel Tupas/DMS
